In Focus: Carvalho closing on West Ham move

According to the Daily Express, Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho is closing on a move to West Ham United after agreeing personal terms with the Premier League club.

What’s the story?

Carvalho has long been linked with a move to English football, with a number of clubs credited with an interest in the Portugal international over the last few seasons.

West Ham have emerged as the favourites over the last few days, however, and according to the Daily Express, the defensive midfielder has already agreed personal terms with the Hammers.

The report claims that Carvalho will now undergo a medical with the London club this week before signing a long-term contract with Slaven Bilic’s side.

The 25-year-old is believed to have a £40m release clause inserted into his contract at Sporting, but it is understood that West Ham will pay around the £30m mark for a midfielder that played a key role in Portugal landing the European Championship title in 2016.

What are Carvalho’s credentials?

Carvalho joined Sporting in 2005, progressing through the youth system at the Portuguese club before making his first-team debut in 2011.

He has scored 10 times in 154 appearances for Sporting, including twice in 43 matches last season during what was another impressive campaign.

As mentioned, the midfielder played a key role in Portugal winning Euro 2016, whilst he also represented his country at the 2014 World Cup.

Carvalho also has experience of Champions League football, and at the age of 25, there is every reason to believe that his best years of football are ahead of him.

Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have all previously been credited with an interest in the midfielder, but it appears that West Ham have done enough to convince him to make the move to the London Stadium.

West Ham are certainly in need of some fresh blood in the middle of the park, and the signing of Carvalho would be a major coup for the Hammers.